Friday, August 24, 2012

Heal Not Hurt

The world is full of people with opinions who happen to think their point of view is correct and only those that agree with them are correct and the rest of us are in error, some great some small. Most of these people are quick to judge others for living a misguided life while they see themselves as perfect in most respects.

You would think those who follow Jesus would be the last to make judgments about anyone but themselves.

Matthew NIV: "Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." and "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

I would say that is pretty clear wouldn't you? Jesus seems to be saying pay attention to your own salvation and mind your business. Stop being so harsh on others while you've got a bit of stuff to clear up in your own mess right now. All that with the admonition that if you are not careful YOU will be judged in the same harsh manner that you mete out your judgement on others.

The ultra conservative Christian, Muslim, Jew anyone who follows the religion of their choice and uses the written word as their guide has to be careful about words written hundreds or thousands of years ago when the common thought was different and scientific discovery of the universe, the body and the psyche was light years away from what we now know as truths about life. To follow those words as written is sure to lead into error, like holy wars, cutting off hands of those who steal and stoning of prostitutes. Surely one has to use knowledge gained through the collective learning of mankind to understand these type of things no longer apply. We have to look past the words to the intent and if you are Christian one truth prevails and that is love is the most important element of existence. Understanding that we are put here to help and build up rather than to tear and breakdown. I would bet all true religions have this concept at their base.

Yet we find people who would look at a life style and say those living it are hell bent. These very same Judges pass by the homeless, and sick without even looking while they eat well every night. Do you get my drift? The imagery here is pure and can be applied to those who say we should not give food stamps or care for those who are beaten down because they are probably in the position they are in due to their own frailty. And so what if they are? Are we to just go by and forget our brothers and sisters?

It is not only we the people, individuals who seem to forget that love is what is supposed to drive us in this world but it is our very institutions who continue to foster the idea that some of us are better than others and those deserve better treatment. The Catholic Church is run by Shepherds who put the institution's needs above children who were getting molested while they were saying that those who use birth control are committing mortal sin. The old boys club which is still running the Church is still committing women to second place as is shown by the recent attempt of humiliating the Nun who wrote a treatise and, heaven forbid, happened to mention masturbation in it and the right of women to have a special place in the church. The whole order was chastised publicly. You can look it up! The leaders walk around in splendid robes while many of the followers are seeped in poverty and are mistreated by their own government while the church remains silent for political purposes. Without passing judgement on any one specifically I join in passing collective judgement on us all for allowing it to happen. The individual is acting in what he believes is the best interest as dictated by divine intervention. The individual should know better but doesn't. Collectively the institution should know better and probably does but it's blinded because love isn't the driving force, the life of the institution is. To end this I want to quote a few things that might explain what I think Jesus is all about and maybe what life should be about be you Christian or not.

"A new commandment I give you, love one another as I have loved you. By this all men shall know you are my disciples, that you love one another as I have loved you." AND

"Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - Think about such things."

About Me

Widowed Jan. 2008. Worked for Manny Hanny until 1988 when I entered acting and did this for 15 years. Have 7 children, 10 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Presently volunteering at Ozanam Hall and doing very little acting. Have an MBA, BBA and AAS. Graduated from Flushing High School. Served in the Army and lived in Georgia for two yeas. Spent my early life in Local 802, Trumpet and writing some songs while club dating at the same time had a day job.